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Consumer spending

Why do we measure consumers' feelings?

by Kai Ryssdal and Sofia Terenzio
Feb 26, 2024
Consumer sentiment and confidence indexes are used in forecasting, which influences planning and investment. But feelings can be tricky.
Sentiment and confidence, says professor Sasha Indarte, are "related to people's behavior and decisions." That influences what companies and government plan for and invest in.
Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images
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What drove the strong growth in GDP at the end of 2023? Consumer spending.

by Stephanie Hughes
Jan 25, 2024
Nostalgia, cold weather and an uptick in business travel have been good news for three Baltimore businesses.
The bump in GDP reflects increased consumer spending on goods and services.
LumiNola/Getty Images
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After the holidays, retailers hope to keep the party going

by Kristin Schwab
Dec 27, 2023
Even though holiday shopping numbers were solid, retailers might see a slower start to 2024 when consumers' credit card bills come due.
While retailers may encourage January shopping, the push could turn off consumers after an earlier-than-usual start to the holiday selling season.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
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With prices falling and incomes rising, consumers get a break in time for Christmas

by Samantha Fields
Dec 22, 2023
The PCE report for November shows that prices fell slightly and disposable personal income rose, along with the savings rate.
Consumers have been sullen about the economy despite the improvement in inflation, but that might be changing.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images
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The long-expected consumer pullback may finally be materializing

by Kimberly Adams
Nov 29, 2023
We spent more over the holiday, but we bought less — thanks to inflation.
While consumers spent a couple percent more this Black Friday weekend than last, they didn’t necessarily buy more.
Yuki Iwamura/AFP via Getty Images
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How toy sales are faring this holiday season

by Stephanie Hughes
Nov 28, 2023
During the first two years of the pandemic, toy sales in the U.S. grew by 30%. Now, they may be coming back to earth.
During the first two years of the pandemic, toy sales in the U.S. grew by 30%.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images
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Retailers wielding holiday discounts as competitive weapon

by Savannah Maher
Nov 27, 2023
Instead of marking down items to clear inventory, retailers are using discounts to draw customers away from competitors.
Sales from post-Thanksgiving promotions could influence what the rest of the holiday shopping season looks like.
Yuki Iwamura/AFP via Getty Images
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As a recession fails to materialize, some economists are changing their tune

by Justin Ho
Nov 21, 2023
The Index of Leading Economic Indicators has been pointing to a slowdown for 19 months. It hasn't materialized.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
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What counts as "discretionary" spending?

by Samantha Fields
Nov 15, 2023
Shoppers have been pulling back on "discretionary" spending at retailers.
What counts as "discretionary" spending varies from person to person, depending on their spending habits. For example, food is a necessity, but there's a difference between pantry staples and a prepared steak dinner.
Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images
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Ringing in the holiday season with consumer sentiment at a 6-month low

by Meghan McCarty Carino
Nov 10, 2023
The latest consumer survey from the University of Michigan shows that sentiment dropped for the fourth straight month.
Through lockdowns and supply chain snarls, inflation and interest rate hikes, consumer spending has remained resilient.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
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